Methods and systems for establishing an electronic account for a customer

ABSTRACT

Registration information is sent form a customer to a registration system over a network. The registration system creates an electronic account for the customer and facilitates the validation of the customer&#39;s identity. When the customer&#39;s identity is validated, the registration system activates the electronic account. The electronic account includes a unique electronic account number, a physical address of the customer, and an electronic address of the customer.

I. RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/189,983 with a filing date of Mar. 17, 2000, which isincorporated herein by reference.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providingelectronic communications to a customer. More particularly, theinvention relates to systems and methods for providing an electronicaccount and other services to a customer by linking the customer'selectronic address to a physical address where the customer receivesphysical mail.

B. Description of the Related Art

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent governmentagency that provides mail delivery and other services to the public. TheUSPS is widely recognized as a safe and reliable means for sending andreceiving mail. With the steady growth of electronic communication andcommerce, consumers and businesses need a secure way to communicate andconduct business electronically. Without trustworthy channels ofcommunication, many potential participants in electronic commerce areunwilling to send sensitive information, e.g., credit card numbers,electronically, thus limiting the utility of electronic commerce to allindividuals.

Electronic mail, or e-mail, is a well-known means of communication forindividuals and businesses with access to computers and Internetconnections.

When a user establishes an account with an e-mail service provider,e.g., America Online™ or Hotmail™, the user is assigned a unique e-mailaddress, e.g. joesmith@aol.com. Another individual can send a message tothe user by entering the user's e-mail address along with the messageand sending it via the Internet. E-mail can provide almost instantmessage delivery among individuals and businesses over vast distancesfor very little or no cost. E-mail also presents an opportunity forbusinesses to advertise to potential customers in a new way, e.g., bysending bulk advertisements via e-mail.

Despite the advantages of e-mail, there are several drawbacks. Becausee-mail is received and viewed electronically, e-mail does not reachthose who are not “online.” In this way, e-mail contributes to theso-called “technology gap” between individuals with access to computersand computer technology and individuals who cannot afford or who do notunderstand computers and computer technology.

Additionally, the simplicity and low cost of e-mail make it an easyvehicle for unwanted messages, e.g, unsolicited advertisements or“spam.” Both individuals and businesses demand the capability to inhibitthe receipt of unwanted e-mail.

Furthermore, e-mail messages are also insecure, and can be intercepteden route by unknown third parties. Businesses and consumers whocommunicate electronically need to know that their messages are private,and that they can rely on the address to correctly identify the senderand/or recipient.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for communicatingelectronically that is available to everyone, that gives consumerscontrol over the content of communications received, and that provides asecure and reliable way to conduct transactions electronically.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention overcome theshortcomings of conventional systems by establishing an electronicaccount for a customer on a network, where the customer's electronicaddress is linked to the customer's physical address. As with aconventional electronic account, a customer is able to send and receivee-mail, as well as conduct electronic transactions. However, theelectronic account ensures flexible and secure communications by linkinga customer's electronic address to the customer's physical address.Systems and methods consistent with the present invention may beimplemented by the USPS. Moreover, such a USPS electronic account mayprovide electronic access to all persons, i.e., a person with a USPSphysical address may also have a USPS electronic account.

A method consistent with the present invention registers an electronicaccount over a network by transmitting registration information from auser to a registration system over the network and receiving theregistration information at the registration system over the network. Anidentification verification form is transmitted from the registrationsystem to the user requesting identification verification information,and the identification verification form and the identificationverification information are validated at a registration office.Validated identification verification information is transmitted fromthe registration office to the registration system, and the electronicaccount for the user is established.

Another method consistent with the present invention initiates anelectronic account over a network by receiving user information from auser via the network to initiate the electronic account and generating aunique electronic account number corresponding to the user information.The electronic account is established using the unique electronicaccount number. A physical address of the user is retrieved from anaddress database based on the user information and is linked to theelectronic account using the unique electronic account number.

Another method consistent with the present invention initiates anelectronic account over a network by receiving, at a network server,registration information from a user and transmitting the registrationinformation from the network server to a database server. Theregistration information is stored in a database by the database serverand a physical address of the user is retrieved from an address databaseusing the registration information. An application server generates aunique electronic account number corresponding to the registrationinformation and links the physical address to the electronic accountusing the unique electronic account number.

Another method consistent with the present invention creates anelectronic account for a user by receiving registration information fromthe user and generating a unique electronic account number correspondingto the registration information. The registration information isprocessed in a physical address mapping engine to determine a physicaladdress of the user and a request is sent to a certificate authority foran electronic certificate for the electronic account. When theelectronic certificate is received, the electronic account is createdwith the registration information, physical address, unique electronicaccount number, and electronic certificate.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a system for providing anelectronic account to a customer;

FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a system for linking anelectronic address to a physical address of a customer;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a link between an electronic addressand a physical address of a customer;

FIG. 4 is a high level block diagram of a system for providing servicesto a customer using an electronic account consistent with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A is a high level block diagram of a system for establishing anelectronic account for a customer;

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of an identity validation (IDV) formconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a more detailed diagram of a system for establishing anelectronic account for a customer;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an application server consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of an electronic account number consistentwith the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an address matching process performed by aregistration system consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of standardized address information processedby an address matching engine consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 11A depicts an embodiment of the relationship between an ICRSdatabase and a master address database;

FIG. 11B depicts an alternative embodiment of the relationship betweenan ICRS database and a master address database;

FIG. 11C depicts another alternative embodiment of the relationshipbetween an ICRS database and a master address database;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a bulk mailing service using an Internetcustomer registration system consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of services using a customer registrationsystem consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of services that can be provided as part ofan electronic mailbox consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an advertisement filtering service thatcan be provided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an e-mail service that can be provided aspart of an electronic mailbox consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic postmark service that can beprovided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a secure electronic mailbox that can beprovided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 19A-19W are screen shots of a user interface for a registrationsystem consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 20 depicts some classes of messages that can be processed by asecure electronic mailbox;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a system for enabling a customer toapprove or disapprove electronic messages using a secure electronicmailbox;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of secure electronic mailbox processingconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process for a customer to enroll in anelectronic bill presentment and payment system consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a process for a customer to activate anelectronic bill presentment and payment account consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a process for a biller to register for anelectronic bill presentment and payment system consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a process for presenting bills to a customerusing the electronic account system;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of bill delivery notification consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the EBPP system storesbill summaries and bill details;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the biller stores billdetails;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which an EBPP system isprovided by a third party and offered to the payer via the electronicaccount system;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for processing an electronic payment consistentwith conventional systems;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for processing anelectronic bill payment method using the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of another embodiment of an electronic billpayment method consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates additional services that can be provided through anelectronic account consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a system for providing a certificateauthority for proofing identities consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a digital certificate consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a certificate authority consistent withthe present invention;

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a proofing server consistent with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a proofing workstation consistent with thepresent invention.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide anelectronic account for a customer on a network, where the customer'selectronic address is linked to the customer's physical address. As witha conventional electronic account, a customer is able to send andreceive e-mail as well as conduct electronic transactions. Additionally,an electronic account consistent with the present invention ensuresflexible and secure communications by linking a customer's electronicaddress to the customer's physical address.

Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for providingan electronic account to a customer, linking a customer's electronicaddress to a physical address of the customer, establishing anelectronic account using an Internet Customer Registration System,providing a secure electronic mailbox, and providing a certificateauthority for proofing identities.

B. Providing an Electronic Account to a Customer

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a system for providing anelectronic account to a customer. A customer 100 can use a computer,e.g., a personal computer, to log onto a network 102, such as theInternet, to establish an electronic account 104. Electronic account 104enables customer 100 to access a wealth of electronic services,including e-mail and electronic transactions. These services can be bothsecure and non-secure and can be provided by any service provider, suchas an online merchant, a government agency, or a bank.

When electronic account 104 is established, it is linked to a physicaladdress of customer 100. Typically, the physical address corresponds toa location where the user receives physical mail, such as via the USPSor other entity. In this way, anyone who receives mail at a physicaladdress can establish an electronic account consistent with the presentinvention. The physical address can be a home address, Post Office box,business address, etc. Electronic account 104 can also include anelectronic address, such as an e-mail address, for customer 100.

To provide electronic services to customer 100, a service provider cancommunicate with customer 100 via electronic account 104. If electronicaccount 104 is linked to customer 100's physical address and e-mailaddress, the service provider can send a communication to electronicaccount 104 and request delivery to either the physical address or thee-mail address, or both. If such a communication directed to customer100 contains an incomplete address, the complete address can bedetermined using electronic account 104. As an added service, thesender, i.e., the service provider, could be informed of the completeaddress as part of an address correction service.

Electronic account 104 can allow customer 100 to receive an electronicmessage in physical form at a physical address. In this way, the presentinvention makes e-mail available even to people without regular accessto a computer. For example, a customer could use a public computer,e.g., at a public library, to establish an electronic account and obtaina vanity e-mail address. Thereafter, any messages sent to the e-mailaddress would be received at the electronic account and could be printedand delivered to the physical address linked to the electronic account.The USPS or another company could offer this service to help bridge thetechnology gap.

Customer 100 can also link a temporary address, either physical orelectronic, to electronic account 104 to request that messages bedelivered to the temporary address for a given period of time. Forexample, a businessman might have an electronic account with preferrede-mail and physical addresses at his office. When he takes a two-weekbusiness trip, he can use his electronic account to have his messagesdelivered to a new, temporary address, such as a cellular phone or acomputer in a hotel. Service providers sending the messages to thebusinessman would not need to know about his temporary address. Allcommunications would still be directed to the electronic account.

C. Linking an Electronic Address to a Physical Address of a Customer

FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a system for linking anelectronic address to a physical address of a customer. Systemsconsistent with the present invention provide a link 204 between acustomer's electronic account 104 and a physical address 202 of thecustomer. Link 202 can provide added security to protect the customer'sprivacy, for example, by leveraging a trusted third-party resource suchas the USPS master address database.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a link between an electronic addressand a physical address of a customer. Link 204 can be implemented usingan electronic account number 302 that corresponds to electronic account104. Electronic account number 302 can be generated when electronicaccount 104 is created. Electronic account number 302 can be linked to acustomer's electronic address 304, e.g., a vanity e-mail address, andthe customer's physical address 306. The electronic address could alsobe, for example, a facsimile number or telephone number. In oneembodiment, a customer can choose the construction of vanity e-mailaddress 304 (e.g., joesmith@usps.gov). Physical address 306 is typicallywhere the customer receives mail. For example, physical address 306 canbe the customer's residence expressed as ‘123 Main Street, Memphis,Tenn. 38118.’ Consistent with the present invention, the customer canprovide the physical address to be linked to the electronic account, soa customer could select a home address or a work address, for example.

When the customer provides the physical address, the electronic accountsystem can submit it to an address matching engine that communicateswith an address database. The address matching engine submits theaddress as a query to the address database, which returns a standardizedphysical address to be linked to the electronic account. In oneembodiment, the standardized physical address conforms to a pre-approvedformat and includes a nine-digit ZIP code. In this way, the physicaladdress linked to the electronic account is as complete and correct aspossible, even if the customer submitted only a partial address (e.g.,only a 5-digit ZIP code). This address matching process is described indetail below with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 4 is a high level block diagram of a system for providing servicesto a customer using an electronic account consistent with the presentinvention. An electronic account 402 for a customer links an electronicaddress, e.g., a vanity e-mail address, an electronic account number,and a physical address of the customer. Electronic account 402communicates with a plurality of services 404 via a network 406. Network406 can be, for example, the Internet. Using electronic account 402,services 404 can create physical messages to be sent to the customer'sphysical address as well as electronic messages to be sent to thecustomer's electronic address. As depicted in FIG. 4, services 404communicate with electronic account 402, and therefore do not need toknow the customer's electronic address or physical address. This enablesthe customer to take advantage of electronic services while protectingthe customer's privacy.

A service 404 can leverage the electronic account to send a message to aplurality of customers. For example, a marketing firm could submit aphysical mailpiece, e.g., a brochure, to the electronic account systemalong with a mailing list of physical addresses for a group of customershaving electronic accounts. The electronic account system can create amailing list of e-mail addresses corresponding to the physical addressesusing each customer's electronic account. The mailpiece can be scannedor otherwise converted into electronic format and delivered to thecustomers' e-mail addresses. Alternatively, the message could bedelivered to a different electronic address, such as a facsimile numberor telephone number. This type of service is described below withreference to FIG. 12.

D. Establishing an Electronic Account Using an Internet CustomerRegistration System (ICRS)

1. Customer Registration Process

FIG. 5A is a high level block diagram of a system for establishing anelectronic account for a customer. A customer 502 at a computer, such asa personal computer, connects to a network 504 to provide registrationinformation to a registration system 506. Network 504 can be, forexample, the Internet, and registration system 506 can be, for example,the USPS Internet Customer Registration System. The registrationinformation can include customer name, physical address, e-mail address,telephone number, a public key or other password, and a request for apersonal or business electronic account.

After customer 502 provides registration information to registrationsystem 506, a mailpiece 508, such as a confirmation letter, is createdand sent to the user at a physical address. The physical address can beone provided by the customer with the registration information.Mailpiece 508 contains an identity validation (IDV) form 510, describedwith regard to FIG. 5B below. To complete the registration process,customer 502 takes IDV form 510 to a registration office, such as alocal Post Office. There, a clerk verifies the customer's identity anduses IDV form 510 to send identification verification information toregistration system 506.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of an identity validation (IDV) formconsistent with the present invention. As described above, mailpiece 508containing IDV form 510 is sent to the customer by registration system506. When the customer takes IDV form 510 to an identity proofinglocation, e.g., a local Post Office, a clerk validates the customer'sidentity and transmits a confirmation to registration system 506.

As shown in FIG. 5B, IDV form 510 can include the customer's physicaladdress, the customer's e-mail address, the location of the nearestregistration office, and a date by which the customer must go to theregistration office. IDV form 510 can also include a list of identityvalidation documents that the customer must present at the registrationoffice, such as a driver's license, birth certificate, or utility bill.In one embodiment, the customer can select the identity validationdocuments when submitting registration information to registrationsystem 506.

IDV form 510 can include a confirmation bar code. The confirmation barcode can be created by the registration system 506 and linked to theelectronic account when IDV form 510 is created. Once a clerk validatesthe customer's identity, for example, by examining the identityvalidation documents, the clerk can scan the confirmation bar code andsend it electronically to registration system 506. When registrationsystem 506 receives the scanned confirmation bar code, the customer'selectronic account can be activated. Activation can occur, for example,by sending a digital certificate, password, or other notification to thecustomer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two copies of IDV form 510are sent to the customer: one copy for the customer to take to theregistration office and another copy for the customer to retain for hisrecords. IDV form 510 can include a set of instructions and a customercare telephone number that the customer can call if he has any problems.IDV form 510 can also include a signature and date block for thecustomer to execute as part of the identification validation process atthe registration office.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed diagram of a system for establishing anelectronic account for a customer. As described above, customer 502provides registration information to registration system 506 via network504. Registration system 506 includes an application server 602, a webserver 604, and a database server 606. Application server 602 includessoftware tools to generate dynamic content and execute applications forregistration system 506. Application server 602 is described in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 7. Web server 604 processes HTMLrequests to enable communications with customer 502 and to provide datato application server 602 and database server 606.

Database server 606 processes all communications with an InternetCustomer Registration System (ICRS) database 608. In one embodiment,ICRS database 608 consists of two logical components: a customer namedatabase 610 and a customer address database 612. Customer name database610 stores the registration information provided by a customer alongwith an electronic account number assigned to the customer. Customeraddress database 612 stores the customer's physical address. In thisembodiment, the physical address is stored separately from thecustomer's name and other information to protect the security of thecustomer. To create a high level of security, packet filter access canbe installed between customer name database 610 and customer addressdatabase 612. Consistent with the present invention, the ICRS databasecould be maintained as a single database.

When registration system 506 receives registration information fromcustomer 502, it stores the registration information in ICRS database608 as described above. An identification verification (IDV) formgenerator 614 then extracts data from ICRS database 608 and passes thedata to a print and insertion function 616 that generates mailpiece 508containing IDV form 510. Alternatively, IDV form generator 614 and printand insertion function 616 can be a single process. In one embodiment,the IDV form and mailpiece are generated within 24 hours after thecustomer's registration information is stored in ICRS database 608.

As described above, customer 502 takes IDV form 510 to a registrationoffice where a clerk verifies, or “proofs,” the customer's identity. Theidentity proofing can include comparing a photo ID to the customer inperson. When the customer's identity is successfully proofed, the clerkscans a confirmation bar code from IDV form 510 and transmits thescanned bar code to registration system 506 via a delivery confirmationhost 618. In one embodiment, IDV form generator 614 can send anotification to delivery confirmation host 618 when IDV form 510 iscreated. When this notification is received, delivery confirmation host618 can communicate with application server 602 to provide notice thatidentification verification information is soon to be received. When thescanned bar code is sent to delivery confirmation host 618, applicationserver 602 retrieves this identification verification information fromdelivery confirmation host 618.

Once the identification verification information is received byapplication server 602, a request is generated and sent to a digitalcertificate authority 620, such as, for example, the CertificateAuthority (CA) described below with reference to FIG. 35. The requestcan direct digital certificate authority 620 to generate a digitalcertificate for customer 502. The request can include, for example, apublic key and information provided by customer 502 during theregistration process.

A digital certificate is a well-known tool for sending secure messages.A CA issues an encrypted digital certificate containing a customer'spublic key and a variety of other identification information. TheCertificate Authority makes its own public key available through printor perhaps on the Internet. The recipient of an encrypted message usesthe CA's public key to decode the digital certificate attached to themessage, verifies the digital certificate as issued by the CA, and thenobtains the sender's public key and identification information heldwithin the certificate. With this information, the recipient can send anencrypted reply.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an application server consistent with thepresent invention. Application server 602 includes application serversoftware 702, certificate software 704, and address matching enginedelivery point/plus 4 (AME DP/+4) system software 706. Applicationserver software 602 processes logic and instructions to supportregistration system 506. Application server software 702 also includesaccount number generator software 708 that generates an electronicaccount number for a customer. In one embodiment, account numbergenerator software 708 is embedded into application server software 702in the form of a dynamically loadable library so that it becomes part ofapplication server software 702 at run time. In another embodiment,account number generator software 708, can be stand-alone software forgenerating account numbers. The electronic account number is describedin detail below with reference to FIG. 8.

Certificate software 704 is an application programming interface (API)—atool enabling one piece of software to communicate with another piece ofsoftware. Certificate software 704 is used by registration system 506 toconstruct and submit requests to digital certificate authority 620 andto retrieve a customer's digital certificate from digital certificateauthority 620.

AME DP/+4 system software 706 includes an interface to address matchingdirectories and associated software to access those directories. Thissoftware can be used to resolve a physical address based on USPSdelivery guidelines to create a standardized physical address. In oneembodiment, a standardized physical address can meet one of four levelsof address standardization. The first level of standardization is‘delivery point,’ which resolves the address to an unique deliverypoint. The second level of standardization is ‘plus 4,’ which resolvesthe address to a valid range of addresses within a plus 4 segment of aZIP code. The third level of standardization is ‘5 digit,’ whichresolves the address to a five-digit ZIP code area only. The fourthlevel of standardization is ‘last line,’ which resolves the address to acity, state, and ZIP code. The address matching process is described inmore detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of an electronic account number consistentwith the present invention. In one embodiment, account number generatorsoftware 708 generates a unique electronic account number 802 consistingof ten alphabetical and numeric characters and one check digit, such asa modulus low end check digit. In this embodiment, among the tenalphabetical and numeric characters, no more than three alphabeticalcharacters can be strung together to prevent having profanity insertedinto the electronic account number.

FIG. 8 depicts six exemplary formats for an electronic account number.Consistent with the present invention, any other format providing aunique identifier can be used, including formats with fewer or more thanten characters. The electronic account number can be stored in customername database 610 and used to link the customer's name and otherinformation to the customer's physical address.

2. Address Matching Process

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an address matching process performed by aregistration system consistent with the present invention. A physicaladdress 902 is received by AME DP/+4 software 706 and is passed to anaddress matchingine 904. For instance, the address can be received froma customer via Web server 604. Address matching engine 904 processes thephysical address to create a query 906 and sends query 906 to an addressmatching directory (AMD) database 908. Query 906 is used to retrieve astandardized address stored in AMD database 908. Standardized addressinformation 910 can include the standardized address and/or acorresponding delivery point identification (DPID) key that points tothe location in AMD database 908 where the standardized address can befound. Standardized address information 910 is passed back to addressmatching engine 904, where it can be sent to ICRS database 608. If aDPID key cannot be determined via the address matching engine process, aflag can be set to send feedback to an address management office orother service personnel.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of standardized address information processedby an address matching engine consistent with the present invention.Standardized address information 910 can include a standardized addressand related information, including a DPID key. The DPID key can be usedto access a storage location in a master address database as describedbelow. The DPID key can be stored with the electronic accountinformation in ICRS database 608.

FIG. 11A depicts an embodiment of the relationship between an ICRSdatabase and a master address database. ICRS database 608 can store aDPID key with a customer's electronic account information. To obtainupdated address information, ICRS database 608 can use DPID key 1102 toaccess master address database 1104 and obtain the address 1106corresponding to DPID key 1102. In this way, an electronic accountsystem consistent with the present invention can perform periodicaddress updates and quality control processes on ICRS database 608.Using the DPID key in this embodiment keeps ICRS database 608 up-do-datewith having to perform multiple address matching engine processes (asdescribed in FIG. 9).

FIG. 11B depicts an alternative embodiment of the relationship betweenan ICRS database and a master address database. If ICRS database 608does not store a DPID key with a customer's electronic accountinformation, it can obtain one by submitting a physical address 1108 toa static monolithic address database 1110. Static monolithic addressdatabase 1110 can then use an address matching engine (as described inFIG. 9) to obtain a DPID key 1112 from master address database 1104.DPID key 1112 is then returned to ICRS database 608.

FIG. 11C depicts another alternative embodiment of the relationshipbetween an ICRS database and a master address database. If ICRS database608 does not store a DPID key with a customer's electronic accountinformation, it can send a physical address 1114 directly to masteraddress database 1104. DPID key 1116 is then returned to ICRS database608.

3. Services Based on Internet Customer Registration System

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a bulk mailing service using an Internetcustomer registration system consistent with the present invention. Asdescribed above, customer 502 uses a computer to access registrationsystem 506 via network 504. Registration system 506 includes ICRSdatabase 608, which can be accessed by an e-mailbox repository 1210 toprovide e-mail services to customer 502. A sender wishing to communicatewith a plurality of customers having electronic accounts can submit afile 1202 containing a physical address file and a content file. Thephysical address file can be, for example, a mailing list, and thecontent file can be, for example, an advertisement.

The physical address file is processed in an address matching system1204 as described above to obtain standardized physical addresses forthe customers. The standardized physical addresses are processed by akey generator 1206 to obtain keys for accessing ICRS database 608. Usingkeys created by key generator 1206, ICRS database 608 is queried at 1208to create an e-mail address mailing list 1210 corresponding to thephysical address file. The content file is combined with e-mail addressmailing list 1210 to facilitate an electronic mailing 1212. Electronicmailing 1212 is sent to an e-mail routing system 1214 that sendselectronic mailing 1212 to e-mailbox repository 1216 for delivery to theplurality of customers. E-mail routing system 1214 may also provide astatus report of e-mail delivery to the sender that provided file 1202.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of services using a customer registrationsystem consistent with the present invention. Electronic account 104 andregistration system 506 can enable customers to access an electronicmailbox (or e-mailbox) service 1302 and other services 1304 such asmailing online, electronic bill presentment and payment, etc. Electronicmailbox services 1302 can include a secure electronic mailbox, describedin more detail below.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of services that can be provided as part ofan electronic mailbox consistent with the present invention. E-mailboxservice 1302 can receive and store different types of messages,including advertisement messages 1402, e-mail messages 1404, electronicpostmark (EPM) messages 1406, and secure electronic mailbox (SEM)messages 1408. Other types of messages could also be received and storedconsistent with the present invention. In one embodiment, some types ofmessages, such as EPM messages and SEM messages can be accessed only viaa password or a digital certificate key. In this way, the customer canselect different levels of security for different types of messages.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an advertisement filtering service thatcan be provided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with thepresent invention. Advertisement messages 1402 could be filteredaccording to the customer's preferences. A customer could specifycertain types or categories of advertisement messages to be accepted bythe e-mailbox. For example, a customer may wish to receive advertisementmessages from automobile companies but no others or to receive noadvertisements at all.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an e-mail service that can be provided aspart of an electronic mailbox consistent with the present invention.Conventional e-mail messages can be received and stored in e-mailmessage section 1404 of e-mailbox 1302. E-mail message section 1404 caninclude an in-box, out-box, and trash section as found in conventionale-mail systems.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic postmark service that can beprovided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with the presentinvention. An electronic postmark service is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/675,677 entitled Systems and Methods forAuthenticating an Electronic Message, filed on Sep. 29, 2000 andincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a secure electronic mailbox that can beprovided as part of an electronic mailbox consistent with the presentinvention. The secure electronic mailbox service is described in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 20.

4. User Interfaces for Internet Customer Registration System

FIGS. 19A-19W are screen shots of a user interface for a registrationsystem consistent with the present invention. These screen shots can be,for example, HTML documents stored in registration system 506 andpresented by web server 604 to customer 502 at a computer running abrowser. Although these user interfaces describe the registration andactivation processes in terms of a secure electronic mailbox, theseprocesses can also be used to establish an electronic account consistentwith the present invention.

FIG. 19A includes an overview of a secure electronic mailbox as providedby the USPS consistent with the present invention. Although the figuresdescribe an electronic account system provided by the USPS, the presentinvention could be practiced by a non-USPS entity without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. FIGS. 19B and 19C containinstructions to the customer for establishing an electronic accountusing registration system 506. FIGS. 19D-19F contain a sample privacyand certification policy for use with an electronic account system.

FIG. 19G is a user interface for collecting registration informationfrom a customer consistent with the present invention. The userinterface shown has two sections: individual information and e-mailaddress selection. The individual information section provides textboxes and/or drop-down lists for the customer to enter: full name,including first name, middle initial, and last name; title, such as Mr.or Miss; suffix title, such as Jr., Sr., II or III; date of birth,including month, day, and year; home phone; and work phone. The e-mailaddress selection section includes text boxes and/or drop-down lists forthe customer to enter a first, second, and third choice of a vanitye-mail address along with a password for the e-mailbox. The userinterface asks the customer to reenter the password to ensure that it isaccurately captured. This section also enables the customer to choose ashared secret, which can consist of an adjective, a noun, and a verb.The shared secret can serve as a master password for the registrationsystem and helps to identify the customer in the future. For example,the shared secret can be used by the customer to gain access to thecustomer's digital certificate later in the registration process.

FIG. 19H is a user interface that is displayed to the customer if thevanity e-mail address selected is unavailable. The user interface canoffer suggestions of available e-mail addresses and a text box toreceive the customer's alternate selection.

FIG. 19I is a user interface for obtaining physical address informationfrom the customer. The user interface provides text boxes and/ordrop-down lists for the user to input a residential address, including:address type, house number, street name, apartment/suite identifier andnumber, city, state, and ZIP code. A set of “radio buttons” is alsoprovided for the customer to indicate whether the mailing address (i.e.,physical address) is the same as the residential address. The addresstype field can be used to trigger data capture tools, such as a set oftemplates for various address types, including Post Office box address,street address, etc.

FIG. 19J is a user interface for obtaining identity validationinformation from the customer. The customer is prompted to select twoforms of identification to be used in the identification verificationprocess. A drop-down list of acceptable identification documents ispresented. The acceptable identification documents can include a photoidentification, e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID, etc., anda secondary ID, e.g., utility bill, telephone bill, etc. Based on thetype of identification document that the customer selects, differentdata can be captured, including a control number, expiration date, etc.

FIG. 19K is a user interface for displaying registration information tothe customer. This user interface displays the information that has beenprovided by the customer and enables the customer to edit theinformation if needed and to print the information to retain for hisrecords before proceeding with the rest of the registration process. Inone embodiment, the physical address that is presented has beenprocessed by the address matching system described above. In otherwords, the standardized physical address is presented. In thisembodiment, if the address matching system could not resolve thephysical address to a delivery point or plus 4 level, asterisks and amessage can be displayed to inform the customer that the physicaladdress is not fully resolved.

FIG. 19L is a user interface for explaining a private key system to thecustomer. The private key is to be generated by browser software runningon the customer's computer at the direction of the registration system.The private key will be used by the customer to access the digitalcertificate to activate the customer's electronic account. The userinterface presents a drop-down list for the customer to select anencryption strength, if the customer's browser supports different levelsof encryption.

FIG. 19M is a user interface for generating a private key for thecustomer. This user interface enables the customer to click ‘okay’ tocontinue with the private key process or to click ‘cancel’ to stop.

FIG. 19N is a user interface for establishing a password for thecustomer's private key. Because the private key will enable access tothe customer's digital certificate, and therefore the electronicaccount, the customer is encouraged to establish a password to protectthe private key. This user interface enables the customer to select apassword and enter a confirmation copy of the password beforecontinuing.

FIG. 19O is a user interface presented to a customer declining toestablish a password for the private key. This user interface informsthe customer that a password can be established at a later time andenables the customer to continue the registration process withoutestablishing a password for the private key.

FIG. 19P is a user interface for instructing the customer about thein-person identity validation process. Once the online applicationprocess, or registration process, is complete, a temporary or inactivestatus is assigned to the customer's electronic account. This userinterface displays a date on which an identity validation form will bemailed to the customer and explains that the customer will need to takethe identity validation form and the chosen identification documents toa registration office to complete the in-person identity validationprocess.

FIG. 19Q is a user interface for beginning the activation process forthe customer's electronic account. Once the customer completes thein-person identity validation process, the customer can activate theelectronic account. To begin the activation phase, the customer can usethis user interface to enter the vanity e-mail address.

FIG. 19R is a user interface for capturing the customer's shared secretto activate the customer's electronic account. The customer is promptedto enter the shared secret selected during the online registrationprocess.

FIG. 19S is a user interface for accepting a certification practicestatement. A certification practice statement is a statement of rulesand regulations governing the use of a digital certificate. Once thecustomer has read the statement, he can click the ‘accept’ button tocontinue or the ‘quit’ button to stop.

FIG. 19T is a user interface for presenting a digital certificate to thecustomer. This user interface displays a name for the digitalcertificate and enables the customer to provide a different name, ifdesired.

FIG. 19U is a user interface for saving the digital certificate. Theuser interface explains the importance of saving a copy of the digitalcertificate and enables the customer to save it in a safe location or ona floppy disk, for example. The digital certificate can be downloadedinto the customer's browser, onto a Smart Card, or onto a digitalcertificate holding device.

FIG. 19V is a user interface for activating the electronic account. Oncethe customer has received the digital certificate, this user interfaceenables the customer to confirm that the digital certificate has beeninstalled properly on his computer. A customer care phone number isdisplayed in case the customer has any problems.

FIG. 19W is a user interface for completing the electronic accountregistration process. This user interface displays a message informingthe customer that the electronic account has been activated.

E. Providing a Secure Electronic Mailbox

1. Overview of Secure Electronic Mailbox

One of the services available through an electronic account consistentwith the present invention is a secure electronic mailbox (SEM). The SEMcan be provided as part of an e-mailbox linked to the electronic accountas described above. Electronic messages can be sent to a customer usingthe SEM. Unlike a conventional electronic mailbox, the SEM can provide anumber of services in addition to receiving and displaying electronicmessages. For example, the SEM can enable filtering of messages,notification when a message is received and/or viewed, and electronicbill presentment and payment. The SEM can offer various levels ofsecurity using, for example, message authentication, time and dateseals, and digital certificates.

FIG. 20 depicts some classes of messages that can be processed by asecure electronic mailbox (SEM). SEM 2002 can process a bill, such as amortgage bill, utility bill, etc. from a biller 2004, i.e., a biller, abiller's representative, or a biller service provider. SEM 2002 canprocess bills from a plurality of bill consolidators 2006 and 2008. SEM2002 can also process legal communications and legal documents 2008,such as patent applications, wills, etc. Other documents 2010 can alsobe processed by SEM 2002. In one embodiment of the present invention,all of a customer's bills (regardless of their source) are consolidatedand presented to the user with a single user interface, or bill manager.Similarly, payment options can be consolidated and presented to the userwith a single user interface, or payment manager. In this embodiment, acustomer can manage all of his bills in one, seamless interface, withouthaving to know the source of the bills.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a system for enabling a customer toapprove or disapprove electronic messages using a secure electronicmailbox. When SEM 2002 receives SEM input 2102, such as an electronicbill or advertisement, SEM input 2102 can be stored in an SEM database2104, as described below. By accessing SEM database 2104, a customer canview SEM input 2102 and approve or disapprove it 2106. For example, ifSEM input 2102 is an electronic bill, approval might indicate that thebill should be paid using the electronic account and disapproval mightindicate that the bill should not be paid. The customer communicatesapproval or disapproval 2106 to SEM database 2104, which in turn reportsthe customer's decision as SEM output 2108. SEM 2002 thus enables acustomer to interact with senders of electronic messages indirectly,adding security and privacy protections.

2. Detailed Description of Secure Electronic Mailbox

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of secure electronic mailbox processingconsistent with the present invention. A customer can connect to secureelectronic mailbox 2002 via a website, e.g. usps.com, or other portal ona network (step 2202). If the customer does not have a mailbox, i.e., aSEM, (step 2204), then the customer will be prompted to register for anelectronic account and an SEM (step 2206). The customer can then performthe registration process described above to establish an electronicaccount and SEM (step 2208).

If the customer has a mailbox (step 2204), the customer is prompted tologin to the mailbox (step 2210) to give the customer access to SEMservices. As part of the login process, the customer is authenticated bythe electronic account system using, for example, a digital certificateor private key (step 2212). An embodiment of a certificate authority forperforming this authentication is described in more detail below.

If this is the customer's initial login (step 2212), i.e., the firsttime the customer has accessed the mailbox, the customer is prompted toset up a profile (step 2214). The profile is linked to the customer'smailbox and can indicate the services the customer would like to accessand other profile menu options (step 2216). The profile menu options caninclude screen appearance, such as background color or toolbars, andother options as appropriate.

If this is not the customer's initial login, and if the customer wassuccessfully authenticated, then the customer is given access to themailbox and the customer is prompted to select an SEM service (step2218). Here the customer can select one of the different types ofservices available through the customer's electronic account and SEMincluding: EPM mail, Internet mail, advertisements, bill payment, forms,government services, etc.

The different services can be provided using, for example, differentstorage folders within the SEM. The customer can select an EPM mailfolder (step 2220) that contains mail having an electronic postmark(EPM). The customer can select an Internet mail folder (step 2222) thatcontains Internet mail and may or may not include security. Anadvertisement, or ads, folder that contains advertisements can be chosen(step 2224). The advertisements can be, for example, targetedadvertisements sent by an advertiser. The advertisements may befiltered, as described above with reference to FIG. 15.

The customer can select a bills folder (step 2226) that contains billsfrom billers and/or bill consolidators that participate in an electronicbill presentment and payment (EBPP) system via the SEM. The customer canselect a forms folder (step 2228) containing electronic forms fromcompanies and/or government agencies, such as tax forms or driver'slicense renewal forms. The customer can select a folder of governmentservices (step 2230) containing, for example, links to government sitessuch as the Internal Revenue Service. The customer can also access otherservices (step 2232) consistent with the present invention.

When the customer selects either Internet mail (step 2222) or certifiedmail (step 2220), the customer has a selection of actions to choosefrom. The customer can choose to create mail (i.e., an electronicmessage) (step 2234). As part of the mail creation process, the customermay add attachments to the mail or use a spell-checking program. Thecustomer can choose to forward mail (step 2236) or reply to the senderof a message (step 2238). The customer can also choose to view a message(step 2240). This action allows the customer to view the contents of amessage and open or save attachments. If the customer chooses to createmail (step 2234), forward mail (step 2236), or reply to mail (step2238), the customer is prompted to address the mail (step 2242) byselecting a name from an address book or otherwise providing an addressfor the message. The sender can use the secure electronic mailbox tosend a message to a recipient at a physical and/or electronic address.Once the message is addressed (i.e., to either a physical or anelectronic address), the user can send the message (step 2244).

To send the message, the customer can select delivery options (step2246), including options such as “delivery notification” or “electronicdelivery.” If the addressee of the message has an electronic account,the customer can choose “physical delivery” and the message will beprinted and delivered in physical form to the addressee's physicaladdress. In addition to delivery options, the customer can select apriority (step 2248) such as “high priority” or “urgent.” The customercan choose to postmark the message with an EPM. The customer can alsochoose to encrypt the message (step 2250) before it is sent. This allowsthe customer to encrypt a message for privacy and to prevent a thirdparty intercepting the message from reading it. The user can choose tosign the message (step 2252), for example, by attaching a digitalsignature to the message. Then, the message is sent (step 2253).

If the customer chooses to view a message (step 2240), the customer canselect a service to detect tampering (step 2254). This allows thecustomer to verify whether a message has been tampered with since it wassigned by the sender. The tampering detection process can access asecure time and date seal function (step 2256) such as an electronicpostmark (EPM) system as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/675,677, entitled Systems and Methods for Authenticating anElectronic Message, filed on Sep. 29, 2000. The customer can also chooseto apply a time and date seal (e.g., an EPM) to all inbound messages(step 2258). This option will direct the SEM to automatically attach atime and date seal (e.g., an EPM) to a message when it is received bythe SEM. The customer can have the option to use the time and date seal(e.g., the EPM) as a filter for received mail, for example by settingthis as a profile menu option (step 2216).

Several components of the electronic account system can be used toperform the tasks depicted in FIG. 22. A Create and Activate Mailboxcomponent 2208 contains a registration system such as the InternetCustomer Registration System described above. Create and ActivateMailbox component 2208 can automatically create a mailbox once thecustomer has completed the online registration process. The mailbox canbe created, for example, by designating an electronic storage locationfor the customer. In one embodiment, the mailbox will remain inactiveuntil identification verification is performed as described above. AProfile Management component 2260 can be used to manage the profileinformation of the customer. This profile information and profile menuoptions can be stored in a configuration database 2262.

A Mail Management component 2264 can manage messages received by the SEMand allow customers to retrieve, view, save, archive and sort messages.Mail Database 2266 is a storage location for the messages of the SEM. AneAddress Management component 2268 manages a customer's electronicaddress books, which can be stored in an Address Database 2270. Anelectronic postmark (EPM) system 2256 can be used to enable the customerto attach a time and date seal (e.g., an EPM) to a message and to detectwhen a message with a time and date seal (e.g., an EPM) has beentampered with. A Sign and Encrypt component 2272 can be used to enable acustomer to digitally sign messages.

3. Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment

A secure electronic mailbox consistent with the present inventionsupports many services in addition to electronic message handling. Acustomer with an electronic account can use an electronic billpresentment and payment (EBPP) service to receive and pay billselectronically. Billers, such as utility companies or credit cardcompanies, can join the EBPP system and submit bills, bill summaries,bill histories, etc. to the customer (i.e., the payer) using theelectronic account and SEM systems. An EBPP system consistent with thepresent invention improves upon conventional electronic bill paymentsystems in several ways. First, the present invention uses an EBPPsystem to improve communication and feedback between a biller and apayer. Second, an EBPP system consistent with the present invention islinked to a physical address of the payer enabling flexiblecommunications including physical and electronic mail. Third, because anEBPP system consistent with the present invention is linked to a payer'selectronic account, the biller knows that the identity of the payer wasverified in person and therefore can be more confident in sending billsand receiving payment via the EBPP system. Fourth, bills from severalsources can be consolidated for viewing seamlessly, i.e., withoutindicating the source of the bill. Payment can be provided to theappropriate biller seamlessly, i.e., without indicating the paymentdestination to the customer.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process for a customer to enroll in anelectronic bill presentment and payment system consistent with thepresent invention. A payer having an electronic account can send amessage requesting enrollment in an electronic bill presentment andpayment (EBPP) system (step 2302). The enrollment request can be sent toa secure electronic mailbox (SEM) system consistent with the presentinvention. If the enrollment request includes a reference to a bankaccount of the customer, then the EPBB system can access that bankaccount to automatically pay bills for the payer. The SEM systemauthenticates the payer using, for example, the digital certificate fromthe payer's electronic account (step 2304). The authentication processis described in more detail below. When the payer is authenticated, theSEM system retrieves information about the payer, for example, from thepayer's electronic account, and sends the enrollment request and payerinformation to an EBPP system (step 2306). In one embodiment, the EBPPsystem can send the enrollment request and payer information to a billerand receive an enrollment status from the biller. Once the EBPP systemestablishes and activates an EBPP account for the payer, the enrollmentstatus is sent from the EBPP system to the SEM system (step 2308) andthen to the payer (step 2310).

In an alternative embodiment, the enrollment request can also beinitiated by a biller. For example, a payer could sign up for the EBPPsystem at a biller's web site. The biller-initiated enrollment requestwould then be sent from the biller to the EBPP system (step 2312) andthe biller-initiated enrollment status can be returned to the biller(step 2314).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a process for a customer to activate anelectronic bill presentment and payment account consistent with thepresent invention. After the enrollment process, the payer can requestactivation of the EBPP account by sending an account activation requestto the SEM system (step 2402). Before processing the request, the SEMsystem can authenticate the user with a certificate authority asdescribed below (step 2404). Once the payer is authenticated, theaccount activation request is sent from the SEM system to the EBPPsystem along with information from the payer's electronic account (step2406). The account activation request is then sent to a biller (step2408). When the biller activates the payer's account, a response is sentfrom the biller to the EBPP system (stem 2410). The EBPP system sendsthe account activation status to the SEM system (step 2412) and the SEMsystem sends it to the payer (2414). The biller could also send out aphysical notification of the account activation status directly to thepayer (step 2416). In an alternative embodiment, account activationcould be initiated by the biller and the biller can be notified of theaccount activation (step 2418).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a process for a biller to register for anelectronic bill presentment and payment system consistent with thepresent invention. To register, a biller sends biller registrationinformation to the electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) system(step 2502). The EBPP system processes the biller registrationinformation and sends it through general administrative and marketingprocessing (step 2504). This step may include, for example, verifyingthe biller's taxpayer ID number or other identifier or evaluating thebiller's accounting software. Once the biller is registered, the EBPPsystem sends a registration completion notification to the biller (step2506). Marketing or advertisements can also be sent from the EBPP systemto the biller.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a process for presenting bills to a customerusing the electronic account system. In one embodiment, a biller cansubmit bill summaries for multiple customers to the electronic accountsystem (step 2602) via a network such as the Internet. Each bill summarymay be marked with an EPM and can be stored in a SEM corresponding to aspecific customer. When a customer logs into his SEM (step 2604), thecustomer can view the bill summary (step 2606). The bill summary may bemarked with an EPM. The customer can then request, via the SEM system,to view bill details (step 2608). The bill details may be marked with anEPM. The customer can also link directly with the biller to exchangeinformation or pay a bill (step 2610). Using the electronic accountsystem, the customer can submit payment instructions, such as a bankaccount to be debited or a credit card account to be charged. Theelectronic account system can notify the biller when a customer hasviewed the bill summary and/or bill detail. In an alternativeembodiment, the customer can pay view payment information via the SEMsystem and submit payment instructions directly to the SEM.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of bill delivery notification consistent with thepresent invention. A biller can send bill information for a payer havingan electronic account to an EBPP system (step 2702). The biller can alsosend other information for the payer, such as advertisements. The EBPPsystem formats a bill using the bill information and stores it in thepayers secure electronic mailbox (step 2704). The formatted bill caninclude an EPM. The SEM can send a notification to the EBPP system whenthe bill is delivered, i.e., stored in the payer's SEM (step 2706). TheSEM can send another notification when the payer views the bill in theSEM. The EBPP system then sends these notifications to the biller (step2708). In one embodiment, EBPP system can use the bill information fromthe biller to generate a physical mail piece that is sent to the payervia U.S. mail (step 2710). The EBPP system can also use an electronicpostmark (EPM) system to attach an EPM to the bill before it is storedin the payer's SEM (step 2712).

There are many alternative embodiments for storing and presenting billinformation to the payer. The electronic account system can store allbill information in the EBPP system (e.g., to bill for SEM services).Alternatively, the EBPP system may store only bill summary informationand the payer can communicate directly with a biller to obtain billdetails. In another embodiment, the EBPP system may be provided by athird party and offered to the payer via the electronic account system.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the EBPP system storesbill summaries and bill details. The payer can access his SEM to viewbill summaries (step 2802) and to view bill details, historical bills,and/or payment information (step 2804). When the payer accesses the SEM,the payer will be authenticated using, for example, a certificateauthority (step 2806). In this embodiment, the SEM obtains bill detail(i.e., line by line bill details) and bill summary information (e.g.,overall balance due, biller identifier, etc.) from the EBPP system,stored within the electronic account system (steps. 2808, 2810). Thepayer can also obtain historical information such as payment history andpast bills.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the biller stores billdetails. The payer can access his SEM to view bill summaries (step2902), bill detail, historical bills and/or payment information (step2904). When the payer accesses the SEM, the customer will beauthenticated using, for example, a certificate authority (CA/PKI) (step2906). In this embodiment, the SEM obtains bill detail (i.e., line byline bill details) and bill summary information (e.g., overall balancedue, biller identifier, etc.) from the EBPP system (step 2908), which inturn obtains bill details from a remote biller, e.g., via a network.(step 2910). The payer can also obtain historical information such aspayment history and past bills.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which an EBPP system isprovided by a third party 3001 and offered to the payer via theelectronic account system. The payer can access his SEM to view billsummaries and bill detail. (step 3002) and to view historical billsand/or payment information (step 3004). The bills may be issued by aplurality of billers, but the bills can be consolidated and presented tothe payer using a single, seamless user interface. When the payeraccesses the SEM, the customer will be authenticated using, for example,a certificate authority (step 3006). In this embodiment, the SEM obtainsbill detail (i.e., line by line bill details) and bill summaryinformation (e.g., overall balance due, biller identifier, etc.) from athird-party EBPP system (step 3008), which in turn obtains bill detailsfrom a remote biller, e.g., via a network. (step 3010). The payer alsocan also obtain historical information such as payment history and pastbills.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for processing an electronic payment consistentwith conventional systems. To pay a bill electronically, a payer sendspayment authorization to a financial processor such as, for example,Checkfree (step 3102). The financial processor sends the paymentauthorization to the payer's bank (step 3104). The payment authorizationcan include a payer's bank account designation and a biller's bankaccount number. The payer's bank can send payment to the biller's bank(step 3106), e.g., by electronically transferring money to the biller'sbank account. The payer's bank can then send a transaction confirmationto the financial processor (step 3108). Alternatively, the financialprocessor can send payment directly to the biller's bank (step 3110).The financial processor can send the transaction confirmation to thepayer (step 3112). Once payment is received, the biller's bank can sendpayment notification to the payer (step 3114).

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for processing anelectronic bill payment method using the present invention. A payersends payment authorization to his SEM (step 3202). The SEM can apply anelectronic postmark (EPM) to the payment authorization for addedsecurity (step 3204). The SEM sends the payment authorization to theEBPP system (step 3206), which is part of the electronic account systemin this embodiment. The EBPP system in turn sends the paymentauthorization to a financial institution (step 3208). This method is animprovement over conventional systems in many ways. The inclusion of anEPM on the payment authorization enhances security for both payer andbiller. Because the identity of the payer is validated before the SEM isactivated, the biller has increased confidence when sending bills andreceiving payment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of another embodiment of an electronic billpayment method consistent with the present invention. A payer sendspayment authorization to his SEM (step 3302). The SEM can apply anelectronic postmark (EPM) to the payment authorization for addedsecurity (step 3304). The SEM sends the payment authorization to theEBPP system (step 3306), which is not part of the electronic accountsystem in this embodiment. The EBPP system in this embodiment could beoffered by a third party to the payer via the electronic account system.The EBPP system sends the payment authorization to a financialinstitution (step 3308).

FIG. 34 illustrates additional services that can be provided through anelectronic account consistent with the present invention. Other services3402 that can be provided via an electronic account include mailingonline 3404, NetPost.Certified 3405, shipping online 3406, stamps online3408, PC Postage 3409, and other services 3410. Mailing online 3404 is aservice that receives a content file and an address list from a customerand produces a mailing to each address on the address list. Mailingonline can include a Card Store product. NetPost.Certified 3405 enablesa customer to download a digital certificate onto a Smart Card for usein authenticating electronic transactions. Shipping online 3406 is aservice that enables a customer to ship packages automatically andprivately. Stamps online 3408 enables a customer to purchase stamps. PCPostage 3408 enables a customer to purchase and print postage using acomputer.

F. Certificate Authority for Proofing Identities

Systems consistent with the present invention provide a certificateauthority for proofing the identity of an electronic customer. Usingdigital certificate software, the electronic account system provides adigital certificate, described in detail below, to a customer after thecustomer has been verified in-person as part of the electronic accountregistration process. In this way, a digital certificate consistent withthe present invention authenticates the customer's identity in a waythat is not available in conventional systems.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a system for providing a certificateauthority for proofing identities consistent with the present invention.A digital certificate requestor 3502 sends a request for digitalcertificate 3504 to a digital certificate authority 3506. Digitalcertificate requestor 3502 can be, for example, certificate software ora proofing workstation. In response to request for digital certificate3504, digital certificate authority 3506 sends a digital certificate3508 to digital certificate requestor 3502.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a digital certificate consistent with thepresent invention. Digital certificate 3508 includes an identifier ofthe customer 3602, a certificate serial number 3604, a certificatevalidity period 3606, a proofing workstation validation 3608, a publickey 3610, a certificate issuer identifier 3612, and a certificate status3614. Certificate status 3614 can be, for instance, active, on hold, orrevoked. The digital certificate can be, for example, a well-known CCITTX.500 Section 509 Version 3 certificate.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a certificate authority consistent withthe present invention. Certificate authority 3506 contains knownsoftware to generate digital certificates as described above. Inaddition, certificate authority 3506 includes at least one proofingserver 3702 and at least one proofing workstation 3704. As describedabove, a customer having an electronic account can conduct electronictransactions and provide a digital certificate to third parties toverify the customer's identity. A third party can request verificationof the digital certificate via proofing workstation 3704, such as akiosk available in a Post Office. Proofing workstation 3704 communicateswith proofing server 3702 to verify the digital certificate and returnsthe verification to the third party via proofing workstation 3704. Thus,certificate authority 3506 enables third parties to proof the customer'sidentity using a digital certificate.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a proofing server consistent with thepresent invention. Proofing server 3702 includes a certificate directory3802, a certificate revocation list 3804, and an interface with proofingworkstations 3806. Certificate directory 3802 is a list of digitalcertificates that have been issued by proofing server 3602, e.g., usingknown digital certificate software. Certificate revocation list 3804 isa list of certificates that have been revoked, e.g., for fraudulent usegenerated by an electronic account system or a third party. Interfacewith proofing workstations 3806 includes a private key verifier 3808that provides security by verifying a private key sent with averification request from a proofing workstation.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a proofing workstation consistent with thepresent invention. Proofing workstation 3704 can be, for example, acomputer or kiosk available in a public place, such as a Post Office. Athird party wishing to proof a digital certificate can submit a requestto proofing workstation 3704, perhaps accompanied by a fee paid bycredit card or smart card. Proofing workstation 3704 communicates withproofing server 3702 to proof the digital certificate and return avalidation to the third party. Proofing workstation 3704 includes acentral processing unit (CPU) 3902, an input device 3904 (e.g., akeyboard), an output device 3906 (e.g., a printer or monitor), aninterface with proofing servers 3908, a memory 3910, a credit cardreader 3914, and a smart card interface 3916. Memory 3910 includes aprivate key 3912. Private key 3912 is sent with proofing requests fromproofing workstation 3704 to proofing server 3702 to provide security.

While digital certificates consistent with the present invention usein-person identity validation using identification documents, manydifferent types of identity validation may be used consistent with thepresent invention. For example, biometric identification, such asfingerprinting or retinal scans, could be used.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail herein, it is to be understood that thesedescriptions are merely illustrative. Other embodiments of the inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated bythe following claims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for initiating an electronic account overa network, comprising the steps of: receiving user information from auser via the network to initiate the electronic account; generating aunique electronic account number corresponding to the user information;establishing the electronic account using the unique electronic accountnumber; retrieving a physical address of the user from an addressdatabase based on the user information, the physical addresscorresponding to the location where the user receives physical mail; andlinking the physical address to the electronic account using the uniqueelectronic account number.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising the step of: storing the user information and the uniqueelectronic account number in a database.
 21. The method of claim 19,wherein the address database is a United States Postal Service addressdatabase.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the unique electronicaccount number comprises a plurality of digits.
 23. The method of claim22, wherein the unique electronic account number comprises ten digits.24. The method of claim 22, wherein the unique electronic account numbercomprises alphanumeric characters and a check digit.
 25. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the ten digits include alphanumeric characters. 26.The method of claim 22, wherein the ten digits include nine alphanumericcharacters and a check digit.
 27. A method for initiating an electronicaccount over a network, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a networkserver, registration information from a user; transmitting theregistration information from the network server to a database server;storing the registration information in a database by the databaseserver; retrieving a physical address of the user from an addressdatabase using the registration information; generating, by anapplication server, a unique electronic account number corresponding tothe registration information; linking, by the application server, thephysical address to the electronic account using the unique electronicaccount number.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the registrationinformation is received in response to a plurality of HTML documentstransmitted from the network server to the user.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein the plurality of HTML documents includes an overview of theelectronic account.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality ofHTML documents includes registration procedures.
 31. The method of claim28, wherein the plurality of HTML documents includes a privacystatement.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of HTMLdocuments includes a security policy.
 33. The method of claim 28,wherein the plurality of HTML documents requests the user's name, dateof birth, and telephone number.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein theplurality of HTML documents requests a preferred e-mail address.
 35. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the plurality of HTML documents requests apreferred password.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality ofHTML documents offers a selection of available e-mail addresses.
 37. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the plurality of HTML documents requests theuser's residential address.
 38. The method of claim 28, wherein theplurality of HTML documents requests identity validation informationincluding a photo ID and a secondary ID.
 39. The method of claim 28,wherein the plurality of HTML documents displays the registrationinformation for the user to review.
 40. The method of claim 28, whereinthe plurality of HTML documents includes a private key generationprocess.
 41. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of HTMLdocuments requests the user to choose a communication password toprotect the private key.
 42. The method of claim 28, wherein theplurality of HTML documents enables the user to activate the electronicaccount by entering an e-mail address and a password.
 43. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the plurality of HTML documents enables the user toobtain an electronic certificate for the electronic account.
 44. Amethod for creating an electronic account for a user, comprising thesteps of: receiving registration information from the user; generating aunique electronic account number corresponding to the registrationinformation; processing the registration information in a physicaladdress matching engine to determine a physical address of the user;sending a request to a certificate authority for an electroniccertificate for the electronic account; receiving the electroniccertificate; and creating the electronic account with the registrationinformation, physical address, unique electronic account number, andelectronic certificate.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the uniqueelectronic account number is generated by United States Postal Serviceaccount number generator software.
 46. The method of claim 44, whereinthe physical address matching engine is a United States Postal Serviceaddress matching engine.
 47. The method of claim 44, wherein thecertificate authority is a United States Postal Service CertificateAuthority. 48-74. (canceled)
 75. A system for initiating an electronicaccount over a network, comprising: a receiving component configured toreceive user information from a user via the network to initiate theelectronic account; a generating component configured to generate aunique electronic account number corresponding to the user information;an establishing component configured to establish the electronic accountusing the unique electronic account number; a retrieving componentconfigured to retrieve a physical address of the user from an addressdatabase based on the user information, the physical addresscorresponding to the location where the user receives physical mail; anda linking component configured to link the physical address to theelectronic account using the unique electronic account number.
 76. Thesystem of claim 75, further comprising: a storing component configuredto store the user information and the unique electronic account numberin a database.
 77. The system of claim 75, wherein the address databaseis a United States Postal Service address database.
 78. The system ofclaim 75, wherein the unique electronic account number comprises aplurality of digits.
 79. The system of claim 78, wherein the uniqueelectronic account number comprises ten digits.
 80. The system of claim78, wherein the unique electronic account number comprises alphanumericcharacters and a check digit.
 81. The system of claim 78, wherein theten digits include alphanumeric characters.
 82. The system of claim 78,wherein the ten digits include nine alphanumeric characters and a checkdigit.
 83. A system for initiating an electronic account over a network,comprising: a receiving component configured to receive registrationinformation from a user; a transmitting component configured to transmitthe registration information from the network server to a databaseserver; a storing component configured to store the registrationinformation in a database by the database server; a retrieving componentconfigured to retrieve a physical address of the user from an addressdatabase using the registration information; a generating componentconfigured to generate a unique electronic account number correspondingto the registration information; a linking component configured to linkthe physical address to the electronic account using the uniqueelectronic account number.
 84. The system of claim 83, wherein theregistration information is received in response to a plurality of HTMLdocuments transmitted from the network server to the user.
 85. Thesystem of claim 84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents includes anoverview of the electronic account.
 86. The system of claim 84, whereinthe plurality of HTML documents includes registration procedures. 87.The system of claim 84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents includesa privacy statement.
 88. The system of claim 84, wherein the pluralityof HTML documents includes a security policy.
 89. The system of claim84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents requests the user's name,date of birth, and telephone number.
 90. The system of claim 84, whereinthe plurality of HTML documents requests a preferred e-mail address. 91.The system of claim 84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents requestsa preferred password.
 92. The system of claim 84, wherein the pluralityof HTML documents offers a selection of available e-mail addresses. 93.The system of claim 84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents requeststhe user's residential address.
 94. The system of claim 84, wherein theplurality of HTML documents requests identity validation informationincluding a photo ID and a secondary ID.
 95. The system of claim 84,wherein the plurality of HTML documents displays the registrationinformation for the user to review.
 96. The system of claim 84, whereinthe plurality of HTML documents includes a private key generationprocess.
 97. The system of claim 84, wherein the plurality of HTMLdocuments requests the user to choose a communication password toprotect the private key.
 98. The system of claim 84, wherein theplurality of HTML documents enables the user to activate the electronicaccount by entering an e-mail address and a password.
 99. The system ofclaim 84, wherein the plurality of HTML documents enables the user toobtain an electronic certificate for the electronic account.
 100. Asystem for creating an electronic account for a user, comprising: aregistration receiving component configured to receive registrationinformation from the user; a generating component configured to generatea unique electronic account number corresponding to the registrationinformation; a processing component configured to process theregistration information in a physical address matching engine todetermine a physical address of the user; a sending component configuredto send a request to a certificate authority for an electroniccertificate for the electronic account; a certificate receivingcomponent configured to receive the electronic certificate; and acreating component configured to create the electronic account with theregistration information, physical address, unique electronic accountnumber, and electronic certificate.
 101. The system of claim 100,wherein the unique electronic account number is generated by UnitedStates Postal Service account number generator software.
 102. The systemof claim 100, wherein the physical address matching engine is a UnitedStates Postal Service address matching engine.
 103. The system of claim100, wherein the certificate authority is a United States Postal ServiceCertificate Authority. 104-115. (canceled)
 116. A computer usable mediumhaving computer readable code embodied therein, for initiating anelectronic account over a network, the computer readable codecomprising: an information receiving module configured to receive userinformation from a user via the network to initiate the electronicaccount; a generating module configured to generate a unique electronicaccount number corresponding to the user information; an establishingmodule configured to establish the electronic account using the uniqueelectronic account number; a retrieving module configured to retrieve aphysical address of the user from an address database based on the userinformation, the physical address corresponding to the location wherethe user receives physical mail; and a linking module configured to linkthe physical address to the electronic account using the uniqueelectronic account number.
 117. A computer usable medium having computerreadable code embodied therein, for initiating an electronic accountover a network, the computer readable code comprising: a receivingmodule configured to receive registration information from a user; atransmitting module configured to transmit the registration informationfrom the network server to a database server; a storing moduleconfigured to store the registration information in a database by thedatabase server; a retrieving module configured to retrieve a physicaladdress of the user from an address database using the registrationinformation; a generating module configured to generate by anapplication server, a unique electronic account number corresponding tothe registration information; a linking module configured to link thephysical address to the electronic account using the unique electronicaccount number.
 118. A computer readable medium having computer readablecode embodied therein for creating an electronic account for a user, thecomputer readable code comprising: a registration receiving moduleconfigured to receive registration information from the user; agenerating module configured to generate a unique electronic accountnumber corresponding to the registration information; a processingmodule configured to process the registration information in a physicaladdress matching engine to determine a physical address of the user; asending module configured to send a request to a certificate authorityfor an electronic certificate for the electronic account; a certificatereceiving module configured to receive the electronic certificate; and acreating module configured to create the electronic account with theregistration information, physical address, unique electronic accountnumber, and electronic certificate. 119-122. (canceled)
 123. A systemfor initiating an electronic account over a network, comprising: meansfor receiving user information from a user via the network to initiatethe electronic account; means for generating a unique electronic accountnumber corresponding to the user information; means for establishing theelectronic account using the unique electronic account number; means forretrieving a physical address of the user from an address database basedon the user information, the physical address corresponding to thelocation where the user receives physical mail; and means for linkingthe physical address to the electronic account using the uniqueelectronic account number.
 124. A system for initiating an electronicaccount over a network, comprising: means for receiving, at a networkserver, registration information from a user; means for transmitting theregistration information from the network server to a database server;means for storing the registration information in a database by thedatabase server; means for retrieving a physical address of the userfrom an address database using the registration information; means forgenerating, by an application server, a unique electronic account numbercorresponding to the registration information; means for linking, by theapplication server, the physical address to the electronic account usingthe unique electronic account number.
 125. A system for creating anelectronic account for a user, comprising: means for receivingregistration information from the user; means for generating a uniqueelectronic account number corresponding to the registration information;means for processing the registration information in a physical addressmatching engine to determine a physical address of the user; means forsending a request to a certificate authority for an electroniccertificate for the electronic account; means for receiving theelectronic certificate; and means for creating the electronic accountwith the registration information, physical address, unique electronicaccount number, and electronic certificate.
 126. (canceled)
 127. Amethod for registering an electronic account over a network, comprisingthe steps of: transmitting registration information from a user to aregistration system over the network; receiving the registrationinformation at the registration system over the network; storing theregistration information in a database; retrieving a physical address ofthe user from an address database using the registration information;generating, by a verification form generator, an identificationverification form using the physical address and the registrationinformation; sending the identification verification form to the user atthe physical address; notifying a confirmation host, by the verificationform generator, when the identification verification form has been sent;validating the identification verification form by the user at aregistration office; transmitting validated identification verificationinformation from the registration office to the confirmation host;retrieving the validated identification verification information at theregistration system from the confirmation host to establish theelectronic account for the user; requesting, by the registration system,an electronic certificate for the electronic account from a certificateauthority; receiving the electronic certificate by the registrationsystem; and linking the electronic certificate to the electronicaccount.
 128. The method of claim 127, wherein the linking step furtherincludes the step of: downloading the electronic certificate to acomputer of the user.
 129. The method of claim 127, wherein the linkingstep further includes the step of: downloading the electroniccertificate to a Smart Card.
 130. The method of claim 127, wherein thelinking step further includes the step of: downloading the electroniccertificate to a certificate holding device.
 131. A system forregistering an electronic account over a network, comprising: aregistration information transmitting component configured to transmitregistration information from a user to a registration system over thenetwork; a registration receiving component configured to receive theregistration information at the registration system over the network; astoring component configured to store the registration information in adatabase; a physical address retrieving component configured to retrievea physical address of the user from an address database using theregistration information; a generating component configured to generatean identification verification form using the physical address and theregistration information; a verification sending component configured tosend the identification verification form to the user at the physicaladdress; a notifying component configured to notify a confirmation hostwhen the identification verification form has been sent; a validatingcomponent configured to validate the identification verification form bythe user at a registration office; a verification transmitting componentconfigured to transmit validated identification verification informationfrom the registration office to the confirmation host; a retrievingcomponent configured to retrieve the validated identificationverification information at the registration system from theconfirmation host to establish the electronic account for the user; arequesting component configured to request an electronic certificate forthe electronic account from a certificate authority; a certificatereceiving component configured to receive the electronic certificate bythe registration system; and a linking component configured to link theelectronic certificate to the electronic account.
 132. The system ofclaim 131, wherein the linking component further includes: a browserdownloading component configured to download the electronic certificateto a computer of the user.
 133. The system of claim 131, wherein thelinking component further includes: a Smart Card downloading componentconfigured to download the electronic certificate to a Smart Card. 134.The system of claim 131, wherein the linking component further includes:a device downloading component configured to download the electroniccertificate to a certificate holding device.
 135. A system forregistering an electronic account over a network, comprising: means fortransmitting registration information from a user to a registrationsystem over the network; means for receiving the registrationinformation at the registration system over the network; means forstoring the registration information in a database; means for retrievinga physical address of the user from an address database using theregistration information; means for generating an identificationverification form using the physical address and the registrationinformation; means for sending the identification verification form tothe user at the physical address; means for notifying a confirmationhost when the identification verification form has been sent; means forvalidating the identification verification form by the user at aregistration office; means for transmitting validated identificationverification information from the registration office to theconfirmation host; means for retrieving the validated identificationverification information at the registration system from theconfirmation host to establish the electronic account for the user;means for requesting an electronic certificate for the electronicaccount from a certificate authority; means for receiving the electroniccertificate by the registration system; and means for linking theelectronic certificate to the electronic account.
 136. A computerreadable medium having computer readable code embodied therein forregistering an electronic account over a network, the computer readablecode comprising: a registration information transmitting moduleconfigured to transmit registration information from a user to aregistration system over the network; a registration receiving moduleconfigured to receive the registration information at the registrationsystem over the network; a storing module configured to store theregistration information in a database; a physical address retrievingmodule configured to retrieve a physical address of the user from anaddress database using the registration information; a generating moduleconfigured to generate an identification verification form using thephysical address and the registration information; a verificationsending module configured to send the identification verification formto the user at the physical address; a notifying module configured tonotify a confirmation host when the identification verification form hasbeen sent; a validating module configured to validate the identificationverification form by the user at a registration office; a verificationtransmitting module configured to transmit validated identificationverification information from the registration office to theconfirmation host; a retrieving module configured to retrieve thevalidated identification verification information at the registrationsystem from the confirmation host to establish the electronic accountfor the user; a requesting module configured to request an electroniccertificate for the electronic account from a certificate authority; acertificate receiving module configured to receive the electroniccertificate by the registration system; and a linking module configuredto link the electronic certificate to the electronic account.